Houston Man Charged in 4-State Dogfighting Bust

We think "Alleged Asshole" is a more fitting nickname than "Wheelchair."

A Houston man arrested in a four-state, multi-agency investigation into dogfighting ring resulting in the seizure of 367 pitbulls won nearly $35,000 after one fight, according to a recently unsealed indictment.

Demontt "Wheelchair" Allen, 37, and 11 others have been charged in an Alabama federal court for their alleged participation in or organization of a series of dogfights that occurred from 2009-2013.

"As part of the conspiracy, the defendants and their co-conspirators used and possessed property for housing, training and raising dogs in animal fighting," according to the indictment, which also claims that the "defendants and their co-conspirators also possessed, bought, sold, transported, and delivered dogs that were involved in animal fighting."

After an April 2012 dogfight near Notasulga, Alabama, officers conducting surveillance "observed the loading of a dead dog into a vehicle." A subsequent necropsy "revealed that the dog had severe scarring and injuries consistent with being fought multiple times," according to the indictment.

The indictment also states that Allen was stopped by officers after leaving a dog fight in August 2011 (near Waverly, Alabama), and that "Allen and others were found in possession of approximately $35,000 in cash that Demontt Allen won at a dog fight."

The ASPCA and the Humane Society of the United States are caring for the seized dogs "at undisclosed locations, and the animals will have to be kept as evidence while the case progresses," according to the USA Today story. "Eventually, they hope to retrain the dogs and get them new homes."

A woman who answered the phone at Allen's family's home said the family had no comment.